Flood Flyover

Belize is still recovering from the after - effects of a weekend of near record setting rain - coming from Hurricane Julia's outer bands. NEMO's latest update - which came out a whole 24 hours ago - says "Flooding has affected 30 communities in central and southern Belize and approximately 3,000 families have been directly or indirectly impacted, with dozens of homes, vehicles, equipment, farms and crops damaged." They add that four rescue operations saved 104 persons were in shelters while five bridges were closed and slightly damaged, and 2 ferries (Xunantunich and Baking Pot) were closed, while 11 rivers and 4 creeks reached flood stage.

Today, the Minister of NEMO led a team on an overflight of the West to see the damage done and estimate the damage that's still coming down river. Here's a report:



The most recent flood bulletin - issued 5 hours ago - says that on the Belize River, levels are expected to increase as flood waters moves downstream. On the Crooked Tree Lagoon, levels are expected in exceed the causeway.

While on the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town, flood levels are expected to recede. And On The Macal River at all becol facilities, decreasing reservoir levels expected to continue; and at San Ignacio, flood levels will continue to recede.

Same For The Monkey River, where flood levels are expected to continue to recede. While on the Sibun River At Freetown Sibun, Flood Levels are expected to continue to increase slowly.

Channel 7

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"A Lot of Devastation" - NEMO Flies Over Affected Areas

Today, the Minister of Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management joined a team from the National Emergency Management Organization on a flyover to observe the areas that are currently affected by severe flooding. The team included personnel from the Hydrology Unit, the Engineering Department and the ministries of Infrastructure Development and House and Agriculture. The focus was the Cayo District and, as it currently stands, the Mopan and Macal Rivers are still overflowing and floodwaters are flowing down to the Belize District. Later in the newscast we will share with you the preparations being made in anticipation of that eventually. But first, we hear from Minister Orlando Habet who says that an aerial assessment indicates that there is a lot of devastation.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management

"We flew over the area where Santander had planted sugar cane. The sugar cane was affected. Waters have spread out to as much as they would have gone on the flat areas and what the hydrology department is telling us is that when it bursts over its seams and spreads out, then it starts rising and that's when you start to see a lot of the water coming up. Certainly a lot of devastation all over the productive sector for agriculture, especially in the Spanish Lookout area. We saw fields of corn that were under water; some that water had passed and the corn is lying down. I think also some beans. We went over an area where you could have seen cattle that were all together because water had formed sort of an island and the cattle moved up to the highest area. You could have seen certainly that some animals had died because you could have seen the crows now perching and trying to look for the remains. What was also interesting is how the river burst open and formed new avenues where to go. And so what we were told from the hydrology unit and the engineering department is that what happens it depends on where most of the water falls and so each flooding event is different from the other. And so whilst we might not have had rise in the river as much as it happened during Eta and Iota, this one has some devastation that also did not occur with that flooding event because of where the water fell. And apparently a lot of the water fell in the productive sector area, apart from what was coming up river in the Macal and Mopan area. So when we went also through the Macal part of the river, we saw some of the damages. Of course, what has now subsiding in San Ignacio and the area of Santa Elena, the bridges are still under water. In the Santa Familia area, the hammock bridge is still under water and so is the one in Calla Creek. And also what we could have seen was some of the damages that occurred with some of the houses that are in the area."

Channel 5

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ADVISORY NO. 5

FLOODING IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN BELIZE
At 8:30 p.m. Wednesday 12th October 2022

NEMO conducted a damage assessment flyover today in the Cayo District. Belize River is reaching top-gallon flood levels. More flood waters were seen in the upper reaches of the Belize River flowing downstream at a faster rate than normal, creating ox-bows in some areas.

The expected flood impact compared to previous events indicates that the impact possibly will not be as severe as the Eta and Iota floods in 2020, which occurred 13 days apart due to greater amounts of rainfall. The water levels are not expected to be the same but are expected to significantly affect communities along the Sibun and Belize rivers and quite possibly include the outer limits of Belize City. Residents living along the Sibun and Belize rivers and in Belize City are advised to take the necessary precautions as required. Crooked Tree lagoon is expected to rise significantly tonight or tomorrow as flood waters continue to flow into the lagoon.

Flooding continues in the Cayo District. Eight shelters remain open with 136 shelterees. The Macal and Mopan rivers are receding. The Bullet Tree-Santa Familia road is open. The Coastal and Bullet Tree-Calla Creek roads remain closed. Assessments and relief operations continue in the Cayo District.

If you live near a river, creek or in a low-lying area, take the necessary actions to save your life. Avoid walking, playing and driving through flood waters. If your home is likely to flood, before leaving secure your home, unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas and main water valve, and secure your documents and pets. Check on the elderly and people with disability. If you need to seek shelter move early and do not wait until it's too late.

Farmers in the Belize River Valley and Crooked Tree areas are advised to move livestock and crops to a safe place. Move early!

Wash hands thoroughly before touching and handling food and water. In flooded areas, boil or purify water before drinking it. As much as possible use bottled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food. Water can be treated with bleach (Clorox) by adding 1 tablespoon of bleach to five gallons of water. Mix the bleach and water completely and leave to stand for 30 minutes before using. Water purification tablets can also be used. Follow the directions on the package. Store 1 gallon of water per day for each person in your home for drinking and cooking. The public is advised to stay away from downed power lines.

The media, all security personnel, and public officers are commended for their combined efforts in keeping the public informed and safe.

NEMO's emergency hotline is 936. Stay alert, be prepared.